Overview of Model Principles
The Federal Government is committed to addressing essential work requirements consistent with best public health practices. The Administration’s paramount concern is the health and safety of all federal employees, on-site contractors, and individuals interacting with the Federal workforce. As set forth in the January 20, 2021 Executive Order on “Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing,” the policy of the Administration is “to halt the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by relying on the best available data and science-based public health measures,” including taking a science-based and data-driven approach to safety in Federal workplaces.
The principles presented here are aligned to the latest guidance from the CDC and established public health best practices, based on evolving understanding of the pandemic. Principles will be reassessed over time, as conditions warrant.
Goal
The health and safety of the Federal workforce is the Administration’s highest priority.
Health and Safety
Telework and Remote Work Employees currently working remotely on a frequent or regular basis (e.g., if on an expanded remote work schedule, such as “maximum telework”) will be given advance notice and guidance before returning to the physical workplace. The agency’s human resources (HR) team will evaluate activities, on an ongoing basis, that may require on-site work.
As a general principle, every effort will be made to maximize the use of remote work during widespread community transmission. Unless it is physically impossible or poses a threat to critical national security interests, generally speaking, occupancy in Federal workplaces should be no more than 25% of normal capacity during periods of significant or high community transmission, as discussed further in the occupancy section below. Levels of community transmission can be established by consulting CDC’s COVID Data Tracker County View.
COVID-19 Coordination Team
By January 26, 2021, each agency should establish a COVID-19 Coordination Team. This team should—at minimum—include a representative from: each component agency (if applicable); HR; occupational safety and health; executive leadership; counsel’s office; and a public health expert. If such an expert does not exist at the agency, a delegate will be designated by the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force. The team is responsible for conducting assessments in order to establish, implement, and monitor compliance with: (a) safety protocols for physical space and masking; and (b) determinations of on-site and telework/remote working. The group should meet regularly to review compliance with agency COVID-19 workplace safety plans and protocols, consider potential revisions to agency COVID-19 workplace safety plans and protocols, and any other operational needs. For CFO Act agencies, this team should review draft COVID-19 workplace safety plans and protocols for the agency, make any necessary changes, and submit plans to the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force for review and comment. Where appropriate, the agency’s COVID-19 Coordination Team may consult with the General Services Administration (GSA), the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). For privately owned and Federally leased space, the team should coordinate with GSA and building security and safety committees.
